THQ focuses on core market in 2010

THQ has signed the rights to a new Russian-made FPS – as it bids to grow its core gamer audience in the next 12 months.

Metro 2033, by Russia's 4A Games, rounds out a trio of titles in key genres due for release at the start of next year.

The shooter, based on a best-selling book by novelist Dmitry Glukhovsky, will hit 360 and PC in early 2010. The PC release will be complemented via a partnership with Nvidia and its physics technology PhysX.

Metro 2033 joins action-adventure Darksiders and off-road racer MX vs ATV Reflex – all of which are due for release post-Christmas.

Earlier this year the publisher saw great success with UFC and Red Faction II, which were both released during quieter retail periods, but shifted big numbers.

He added: “Metro 2033 will plunge gamers into a terrifying vision of the future. 4A Games have worked closely with Dmitry Glukhovsky to deliver a unique game world, a compelling, cinematic story and an incredible, atmospheric experience to rival anything in the category."

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